CHICO — In what proved to be his final act as mayor, Randall Stone declared Chico in a state of emergency during a press conference Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, asking residents to stay at home.

Stone said he thought the pandemic would be hitting Chico hard next week and the town could struggle for weeks. In light of that, he said as mayor he or City Manager Mark Orme could declare a state of emergency, which could open more funding possibilities for the city, but asked residents to stay home and nonessential businesses too close.

“Cases (of coronavirus) have been low (in Chico), but I believe next week will be critical,” he said. “We need everyone to shelter in place and take this seriously.”

As of Wednesday, there were four confirmed cases of the virus in Butte County and no deaths. There has been four confirmed cases in Shasta County with one death that authorities indicated was COVID-related.

Stone said he and his family are healthy but have self-quarantined since March 13 because of the seriousness of the situation.

He said under the law, the council has 72 hours in which to ratify the declaration.

According to Stone, Orme would be in charge of the city under the declaration as emergency director, and the council members would be “getting out of his way.”

Stone said he considered announcing the declaration a week ago, but did not find the need then.

He does now, saying that next week could “make or break” Chico. He praised the city staff and public safety resources for the jobs they have been doing under pressure.

Stone also asked businesses not considered essential per the state’s description to close, and encouraged community members to contact the Code Enforcement department to identify noncompliant ones.

Stone acknowledged the high impact to Chico’s economy under current conditions with residents staying home and businesses not operating, but he painted a bleak picture of how the spread of the virus could impact the long-term viability of the community.

Stone encouraged residents to abide by what the Butte County Public Health Department has recommended for their benefit as well as other residents and communities.

As far as those who couldn’t stay at home, such as emergency and medical personnel as well as homeless individuals, Stone said the city would be looking at what it could do for them, as well as businesses struck by the economic blow.

Nevertheless, Stone said he had “high confidence” in the successful outcome for the community, health professionals and others with the given steps and precautions.

Removal

Several residents who gathered at the press conference thought Stone might be addressing the issue of his removal as mayor on Wednesday’s agenda, including Councilor Scott Huber, who called for Stone to step down earlier in the week.

On the council agenda, Councilor Ann Schwab indicated the community has lost confidence in Stone as a leader, and asked that an agenda item regarding Stone’s removal as major be discussed.

Stone was asked repeatedly at the press conference about Schwab’s request, but sidestepped the questions, saying he would be at the meeting and that other people had called for his removal.